It will mean information can be shared with a wider internet audience as search engines increasingly integrate content from social media sites into search results.

Google announced plans to integrate certain Facebook data into its real-time search although the data will be limited to public profile Facebook pages created by celebrities and companies.

Rival social media site Twitter makes all information viewable to the public.

Facebook will require users to update their general privacy settings, in a first for an internet firm.

It acknowledged that the process had become "complicated" as new features have been added to the site.

The new publisher privacy control means users can select a privacy setting for each piece of content, from updates to photos, meaning they can tailor their posts for specific audiences.

Privacy choice

Users will be asked to choose one of three categories; friends, friends of friends, or everyone.

From 9 December, Facebook will offer all its users a so-called transition tool, explaining the changes and asking users if they want to update their settings.

"We've always designed Facebook to enable people to control what information they share with whom... we will continue to innovate to serve users' changing needs," said Elliot Schrage, vice president of communication.

Earlier in the summer, the social network was forced to make worldwide changes to its privacy policy when it was found to be in breach of Canadian law by holding on to users' personal data indefinitely.

It agreed to make changes to the way it handles this information and be more transparent about what data it collects and why.

It also agreed to make it clear that users can deactivate or delete their account.

In February Facebook responded to criticism over the way it handled users' data by opening up the site's policies to users.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.